Our game of the year Saturday: Michigan at Penn State in a Stripe-out!

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State College, PA – We anticipated this meeting would be the biggest and our best regular season match-up before the season even began – Michigan at Penn State. However, on top of the Big Ten standings implications, the intensity ratcheted up with all the added tension regarding Michigan’s sign-stealing allegations. We know throngs of Blue and White Penn State Faithful in striped-out sections of Beaver Stadium will be amped up for this one. No problem with a noon time kick-off instead of a long day of tailgating in Happy Valley to a game after dark. Nittany Lion fans remember last year’s 41-17 decimation against the Wolverines in Ann Arbor.

Many eyes on this one

The Lions gave the home team a rousing boost to start on Joey Porter’s unnecessary roughness call right on the first play. From there, things went downhill for the visitors. Lion fans will only insinuate there was some sign-stealing that gave Michigan an edge last year. Now it’s payback time for one of only two losses in 2023. Already, the Lions have a bad taste reeling from their 20-12 loss to Ohio State earlier this season. Eyes will be peeled on the U of M sideline to see where their defensive coaches stand to possibly intercept and transfer any signals. Does James Franklin have any plans to jam Michigan communications? This will be one interesting and intense football game before 110,000 pairs of eyes in State College.

This will be my ninth meeting between Michigan and Penn State. The Wolverines lead this series, 5-4. However, The Lions won teh last four. The last was in 2014 in a thrilling four overt-time victory by the Lions, 44-40.
This will be my ninth meeting between Michigan and Penn State. The Wolverines lead this series in my presence, 5-4. However, the Lions won the last four. The last was in 2013 in a thrilling, four over-time victory by the Lions, 43-40.

Is Michigan over-rated?

Michigan has allowed only 7.3 points per game in 2023. Only twice did foes score into the teens thus far. On the other hand, their offense averages 40.6 points per game comparable to the Lions’ 40.2. Michigan relies on the running of Blake Corum with 649 yards and 16 touchdowns. Penn State counters with the one-two punch provided by Kayton Allen and Nick Singleton combining for 1,053 yards and 11 TDs. The Lion offense has been tested by the likes of Ohio State and Iowa. The Wolverines have yet to run into a stalwart defense like those or PSU’s.

Michigan has not yet faced a Big Ten opponent yet among the top six offenses in the conference. Rutgers, who they defeated, carries the highest scoring average among all teams they vanquished with 26.8 per game. The Lions will be their first among the top six averaging 394 total yards per game and stands second only to Michigan in the Big Ten scoring department.

Difference-maker?

The key to a win for either team here this weekend comes down to the performance of Penn State Soph QB Drew Allar. That will depend on two observations that we came away with after seeing the Lions defeat Illinois earlier in the season, 30-13. Some pundits have criticized the Penn State coaching staff about the lack of development they’ve provided to Allar thus far. The first issue noted against Illinois was Allar’s tendency to eyeball only his intended receiver on every pass attempt. His arm is strong, but he’s got to look off his key receiver to help his intended target to get open.

Secondly, the PSU coaching staff needs to provide him with more play action opportunities than when we watched the game against the Illini. With Penn State’s running tandem, Michigan has to be wary and the Lions have to freeze the front pressure and keep the secondary guessing to allow his receivers like KeAndre Smith-Lambert and Dante Cephas, like last week against Maryland, to get open.

Got to get ahead on the Learning Curve

Allar has a strong arm no doubt, but Penn State needs to use more deception to help their young QB. In a few instances when they went play action against a tough Illinois front that day, it paid off. If Penn State does that, they can win this game by a touchdown or even two. If they don’t, it will be a slugfest and anybody’s game down to the wire. The striped-out crowd is going to be a wave the Lions can ride on to their advantage one way or the other. We really look forward to being at Beaver Stadium for this one.

Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of ILL to one score. They will need to do the same to J.J. McCarthy of Michigan to come out on top this weekend.
Penn State applied pressure to Illini QB Luke Altymer to hold U of ILL to one score. They will need to do the same to J.J. McCarthy of Michigan to come out on top this weekend.

Fifty Years of Experience tells me…

Extra point – Sign stealing by Michigan came to light only in recent weeks. Before the season started, I addressed other issues with Jim Harbaugh’s strategies to find his way into the upper echelon of college football in my recently released book Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. He learned from his earlier experiences at Stanford and adapted his new strategy at Michigan. He learned. I noted similarities with Nick Saban after his hiatus to coach at the pro level. In the book, I also pointed out the soft under-belly of Lincoln Riley coached teams at Oklahoma, and now similar results are well exposed now at USC. I also made some analysis of Deion Sanders transition from the FCS to the FBS. Things are shaping up as anticipated.

I also provided insight regarding other coaches in new positions like Lance Leipold at Kansas, Mike Elko at Duke, and Matt Rhule at Nebraska. My one essay, “Vision of the Future,” regarding changes involving Super conferences, the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy, and the transfer portals are well underway impacting the future of college football. My solutions suggested in the second essay, “For the Love of the Game,” are ideas that many fans can consider to improve the game for all FBS teams by leveling the playing field. The ideas introduced will make more teams competitive adding to the excitement of the collage football season for more fans among the many teams.

…About the Future

Go to Amazon.com, and buy your copy of Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly, enjoy the stories, analyze the essays and submit your impressions to share on line. After bowl season, a flurry of sudden changes for the college game will come to light. The first essay, in particular, will prepare you for this. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” On the other hand, it seems forces are already breaking down what we’re used to. Will the final result be what fans want for the college game? Each can decide for himself or herself.

The Nittany Lion studnet body will be raring to go when Michigan shows up at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
The Nittany Lion student body will be raring to go when Michigan shows up at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

Auburn explodes early to vanquish Vanderbilt

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Nashville, TN – After much extra effort to find a seat in packed First Bank Stadium, we sat down as Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter exploded on the Tigers’ second play from scrimmage for a 67-yard touchdown jaunt. Before the first period ended, he did it again for Auburn with a 56-yard sprint to go up, 14-0. After that, the Auburn Tiger defense dominated Vanderbilt until late in the game to rack up a 31-15 SEC victory.

Fast and furious, Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter leaves Commodord defenders in his wake for an early 67-yard touchdown run.
Fast and furious, Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter leaves Commodord defenders in his wake for an early 67-yard touchdown run.

A season full of Dropsies

The final result could have ended in a much wider margin had AU receivers not dropped so many passes. Among the 18 college games attended by collegefootballfan.com this season, we don’t remember ever seeing so many well thrown passes dropped in one season. This day’s performance by Auburn definitely topped them all. The performance by Hunter and the defense that allowed only 90 yards until the 44-yard Commodore scoring drive late in the third sealed the win for Auburn.

In the second period, Auburn QB Payton Thorne threw an ill-advised pass into the right flat from his end zone. Commodore LB Bryce Cowan stepped in front of the intended receiver to score from the five. With 20 seconds left in the half, Alex McPherson’s 32-yard FG gave the Tigers a 17-7 halftime lead.

The Auburn defense shut down Vanderbilt for three quarters before they allowed a touchdown.
The Auburn defense shut down Vanderbilt for three quarters before they allowed a touchdown.

Auburn fans overwhelmed Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt celebrated both Senior Day and its annual homecoming. The official attendance announced was 28,500 in the 40-000-seat stadium, but that was hard to believe. Primarily, orange and blue Auburn fans packed the venue currently under construction. Some of my Auburn friends that came to tailgate couldn’t find tickets, or they found the prices so high due to the demand, it wasn’t worth attending. However, they came and tailgated and enjoyed their day in the Music City. Some Vanderbilt alum after the game mentioned that the only empty seats were in the Commodore student section.

Vanderbilt University did a poor job in preparation for a sold-out crowd no matter what the “official attendance” supposedly was. Granted, construction reduced the number of parking spaces available for the game forcing fans to buy prepaid parking until those ran out. Only two entrances opened to let fans into the stadium. No adequate signage provided fans directions of where or to how to easily find their respective sections to sit in. Only one entrance existed for each side of the stadium. The visitors side went through the basketball arena, but no one knew till it took about half an hour in one of two single file lines in different directions searching for them. Many, like myself, basically encircled the entire stadium.

Vanderbilt evidently did not anticipate the crowd of blue and orange Auburn fans coming to cheer on their Tigers.
Vanderbilt evidently did not anticipate the crowd of blue and orange Auburn fans coming to cheer on their Tigers.

The Spirit of Vanderbilt

It was the last home game for Vanderbilt this year. One of the ushers somewhere along the way said it will be better next year. A school of such high academic standards should have prepared much better for this being the last game of the season looking to celebrate homecoming against a team with a fan base not too far away. They host Bama, Tennessee, and Texas next season – one team with a rabid road following, a rival living literally in the Nashville neighborhood, and a new conference foe with a ton of Country and Western music fans. No need to hold seats available for Vandy students. They seem to care less about rallying around their perennial, struggling football team.

Auburn takes to the air

Auburn started up the third period with a passing attack. On the third play of the opening drive, Thorne (17 of 24, 194 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) connected with TE Rivaldo Fairweather on a pass and run TD for 53 yards and a 24-7 lead. I felt better after Tony, an Auburn fan I sat with from Huntsville, Alabama had asked me what I predicted in the first half. I told him I expected a “blow-out” by Auburn. One of the other AU fans sitting nearby was surprised. He asked, “Have you seen us play before?’ Well not this year any way. I replied, “No but I’ve seen Vanderbilt play this year.”

I figured the Tigers had to be better because Vandy just doesn’t seem to belong year after year in the SEC. Auburn had to be improved. However, Dave Duerk, an Auburn classmate of my Auburn friends Charlie and Lynda Murren, who was among the tailgaters before the game, provided me a glimmer of reality. He said the last two times he was in Nashville for this game, Vanderbilt won. For the benefit of his Alma mater, he sat this game out.

Commodore comeback?

Well after that score, the Tigers roared again. Thorne finished a 64-yard drive with a five-yard TD pass to Jeremiah Cobb. My prediction looked to become reality – Not! The Commodores forced the Tigers to punt on its next series and took over at the AU 44. Vanderbilt scored its first and only TD of the game when Ken Seals connected with Junior Sherrill for a 30-yard TD pass. To play catch-up, Sherrill took it over for a two-point conversion. With 2:43 left in the third, it looked like there was plenty of time left for Auburn to add to their 31-15 lead.

Sherrill took it in for two for Vanderbilt to nail down the final score , 31-15.
Sherrill (left) took it in for two for Vanderbilt to nail down the final score , 31-15.

Over in Three

Auburn punted after it next possession. Vanderbilt countered with a drive over nine minutes when it turned the ball back over on downs at AU’s 14. Following another Auburn punt and another Vandy turnover on downs, the final score stood at 31-15. With its fifth win of the year, our toast among the Auburn faithful at our pregame tailgate to start the drive to bowl eligibility became reality.

Next!

The Tigers (5-4, 2-4) head to Arkansas next week and then host New Mexico State to claim a bowl bid before Alabama visits Jordan-Hare Stadium to spring an upset on their archrival. Vanderbilt (2-8,0-6) heads to play South Carolina (3-6, 1-5) before playing No. 14 Tennessee (7-2, 3-2). Collegefootballfan.com heads to our biggest clash of the season when No. 2 Michigan (9-0, 6-0) visits No. 9 Penn State (8-1, 5-1) in fired-up Beaver Stadium for a noon time kick-off!

Collegefootballfan.com will be looking for a reason to attend another lowly Commodore football game next season. At least they get great support from their Dance Team!
Collegefootballfan.com will be looking for a reason to attend another lowly Commodore football game next season. At least they get great support from their Dance Team!

Game 670: Jordan Davis leads Florida State past Wake Forest

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Winston-Salem, NC – No. 4 Florida State (8-0, 6-0) sped past Wake Forest (4-4,1-3) to a big, first-half lead to upend the Demon Deacons, 41-16. FSU QB Jordan Davis threw for 359 yards and three TDs to take a 34-7 lead at halftime. He ran for a 13-yard score to finish the first drive of the game to put FSU in front early. The Seminole win ended a three-game losing streak to the Deacs who displayed little offense. Quarterback Mitch Griffis struggles running the Run-Pass Option Wake ran effectively in recent years under Sam Hartman. After Wake closed the score 10-7 early in the second period, Florida State came back with 24 unanswered points by halftime.

Florida State QB Jordan Travis starts Seminoles on a 75-yard scoring drive on their first series.
Florida State QB Jordan Travis starts Seminoles on a 75-yard scoring drive on their first series.

Florida State dominates second quarter

Deuce Spann returned the ensuing kickoff 43 yards for Florida State to the 43. At the Wake 29, The Noles isolated Keon Coleman one-on-one with the CB to the left side. He beat him on a short route and with one move raced to the end zone for the 17-7 advantage. Later in the period, a screen-pass to the left by Davis on first down to Trey Benson went 80 yards for a touchdown to widen the lead for Florida State.

On their next possession, Davis hooked up with Jaheim Bell on another screen. He raced for 38 yards that put FSU at the Wake 14. On the next play, Coleman made a standing, one-handed grab off his hip between the sideline and a defender for a 31-7 lead with 1:16 left in the half. With the Demon Deacons backed up with a penalty to their nine on the ensuing kickoff, State used their time-outs and received a punt at the WFU 42. Ryan Fitzgerald closed out Florida State’s first-half scoring with a 34-yard FG.

TE Ja'heim Bell takes a Florida State screen pass to the Wake Forest 14 to set up Travis's second touchdown pass.
TE Jaheim Bell (6) takes a Florida State screen pass to the Wake Forest 14 to set up Travis’s second touchdown pass.

Time to hit “Re-set?”

In the third period, Wake showed a little life. They scored with a field goal and on Tate Carney’s four-yard run to cut the lead, 34-16. However, what really stood out was Griffis’s inability to run the RPO. It lacked any quickness or rhythm. At times, he and his ball-carriers appeared to be strolling through the line arm-in-arm before being stopped to execute a play. The coaching staff made no adjustments to utilize a quick strike passing attack. FSU covered Wake receivers well, and because of that, the Seminoles totaled six sacks, ten tackles for loss, and six passes knocked down. After the game, Guest Game Analysts and staunch Wake Forest supporters Jim “Bugaluga” Harton and Earl Beasley wondered why Coach Dave Clawson didn’t turn to another QB at some point.

Demon Deacon S Malik Mustapha (3) shone as one of the defensive stalwarts against Florida State during this 41-16 rout.
Demon Deacon S Malik Mustapha (3) shone as one of the defensive stalwarts breaking up this pass against Florida State during this rout.

“Oh” no!

Florida State tallied the only points in the final quarter on Trey Benson’s 18-yard touchdown run. Eleven minutes remained. After that, FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell went to his second and third stringers to provide some experience. In the first half, FSU held Wake to only nineteen yards passing, eventually only 82 in the entire game. The No. 4 Seminoles dominated from start to finish. For the sell-out crowd at Allegacy Stadium with about 30% wearing FSU Garnet and Gold, the majority of Demon Deac fans left highly disappointed.

For myself, after having attended my thirteenth Demon Deacon contest since 1981, it turned out to be a devastating loss. Of the previous WFU games attended, they won 11 and lost the 12th to Louisville in 2019, 62-59! My personal record among the Demon Deacon faithful earned me the nickname, “11 and almost OH” Koreivo. Still considered a remarkable accomplishment according to Bugaluga, they’ll probably come up with some kind of appropriate, new nickname for me.

Next!

Florida State travels to play Pitt (2-6, 1-3) who got humbled by Notre Dame last Saturday, 58-7. Wake needs to make some quick adjustments to deal with much-improved Duke (5-3,2-2) in nearby Durham on Thursday night. For collegefootballfan.com, after having attended five weekday night games during the last five weeks, we don’t attend another game until Saturday. And instead of flying to a game (or weddings) for the first time in four weeks, we’ll take a short trip to nearby Nashville. Friends and alum of Auburn visit The Music City this weekend when their Tigers (4-4, 1-4) visit Vanderbilt (2-7,0-5). Fun times coming up with good, long-time friends this Saturday.

Speaking of good (new) friends…

St. Laurie and I were hosted this weekend in North Cackilacky , as Jim “Bugaluga” refers to his home state, by he and his wife Courtenay at their beautiful home in Oak Ridge. This weekend, they introduced us to their good friends Tom and Paula Dille. Now in their 80s, they moved to Greensboro to be closer to family. Tom mentored Jim during his rewarding career in the chemical industry before becoming president of a division of Solvay. We met at the company gym.

Tom played football at Iowa State University back in the late 50s. A memorable game moment he shared was against Oklahoma in 1956. Despite a loss to Oklahoma, he laid some heavy hits against the Sooners including RB Tommy McDonald. This game took place during the Sooners 47-game record breaking winning streak under HC Bud Wilkinson. He said that Wilkinson had a tradition. He awarded a game ball to a player he selected as each game’s MVP. Wilkinson was so impressed by Tom’s effort that day, he awarded the game ball to him after the game. Tom still keeps it at home.

Football history

He reminisced about those days running the single wing and playing both ways. Some of his tackles came up against Sooner RB Tommy McDonald who got drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1957. McDonald played in the Pro Bowl six times during his 11-year career. He played for the Eagles in their 1960 NFL championship game. In 1998, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Quite a long-lasting memory for a player who went on to a very successful business career and happy life for many years. He and Paula now enjoy season tickets at Wake Forest football games.

Wake Forest cheerleaders performed during record setting hot temperatures on this Saturday in late October.
Wake Forest cheerleaders performed during record setting hot temperatures on this Saturday in late October.

Game 669: Liberty torches Western Kentucky to go 8-0

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Bowling Green, KY – Liberty remained undefeated as Kaidon Salter threw three touchdown passes and ran for another to overwhelm WKU into final period for a 42-29 victory. The Flames (8-0, 6-0) took a 35-16 lead on a six-yard TD run by Aaron Bedgood with 8:40 remaining in the game. The Hilltoppers (4-4, 2-2) put up two late scores on passes around Salter’s 27-yard scoring strike to Treon Sibley to make the final score respectable.

After a 14-10 halftime lead, Liberty moved the ball at will. They totaled 323 rushing yards while Salter performed efficiently with 10 of 15 passes for 169 yards. He led Liberty in rushing with 117 yards on 13 carries including a 20-yard touchdown run in the first period. Making no turnovers, the Liberty Flames allowed only one sack, and WKU made only one tackle for a loss. Liberty constantly moved the ball forward. They converted all three times on fourth downs to keep drives alive.

Liberty CB Kobe Singleton ends first half with game's only turnover for either team.
Liberty CB Kobe Singleton ends first half with game’s only turnover for either team.

Liberty torch still burns slowly to start second half…

The first half concluded with the only turnover of the game when Topper QB Austin Reed lofted a “Hail Mary” into the end zone where Liberty CB Kobe Singleton hauled it in. The Flames took a 21-10 lead into the final period with Salter’s nine-yard scoring pass to Victor Venn who twisted in near the right pylon. The scoring heated up in the final period, but too little and too late for Western Kentucky.

In the first minute of the fourth, Liberty completed an 80-yard drive with Quinton Cooley’s two-yard TD run. WKU countered with a 75-yard drive capped by a 43-yard scoring pass to wide-open Elijah Young down the left sideline. The two-point conversion failed, and Liberty led, 28-16. The Flames followed with a 75-yard scoring drive as well. Bedgood’s run put the visitors up, 35-16. The 16,036 in attendance at Houchens Industries- L.T. Smith Stadium dwindled as Topper fans had seen enough. Their team tried to mount a comeback after, but it was too late.

Victor Venn fights and twists in to end zone for a 21-10 lead for Liberty.
RB Victor Venn (2) fights and twists into end zone for a 21-10 lead for Liberty.

Both teams on fire in fourth

As Guest Game analyst Al Tatum and I surmised early in the game, Austin Reed, who led the FBS in passing yards the previous season, finally threw long. One play after the kickoff return, his 63-yard pass to River Helms cut the Liberty lead once again. Reed finished with 30 of 44 passes for 365 yards, four touchdowns and one INT. Not to be denied, Liberty countered with Salter’s third scoring pass to Sibley. WKU scored again following a long drive before the Flames ran out the clock.

Under first-year Head Coach Jamey Chadwell who came from Coastal Carolina after Hugh Freeze left for Auburn, Liberty looks in fine shape to get to the ConferenceUSA championship game. The questions are who will they play and who, if any other conference foe, can beat them?

Aaron Bedgood scores from six to give Liberty a commanding 35-16 lead with 8:40 left in the game.
Aaron Bedgood scores from six to give Liberty a commanding 35-16 lead with 8:40 left in the game.

Next!

Liberty hosts Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-3) on November 4. They’ve already defeated second place contenders Jacksonville State and New Mexico State in CUSA play. These two meet on November 25 to most likely determine who goes to Lynchburg, Virginia to thwart a Liberty CUSA title. Western Kentucky travels to UTEP (2-6,1-3) on November 4. The Miners will be the final CUSA foe Liberty will meet during the regular season. The Flames should clinch CUSA before that meeting.

Upcoming Miracle?

As for Collegefootballfan.com, for the third game in a row, we seen another undefeated team. No. 4 Florida State (7-0, 5-0) visits Wake Forest (4-3, 1-3). I selected this game by design. For what it’s worth, my personal record attending Demon Deacon games is 11-1. My Wake Forest friends have dubbed me as “11 and almost Oh” Koreivo! On top of that, the last time I attended an FSU game when they were undefeated and ranked in the Top Ten, they fell at Georgia Tech at “the Miracle on Techwood Drive,” 22-16. Click on this to buy my new book and can read all about it in Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good the Fun and the Ugly. Will history repeat itself? Check back here after next weekend.

The Hilltoppers enter the field before the got torched b the Liberty Flames
The Hilltoppers enter the field before they got torched by the Liberty Flames.

Game 668: Air Force subdues Navy to remain undefeated

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Annapolis, Maryland – Air Force (7-0) shut down a weak, unimaginative Navy offense for more than three quarters and overcame a tough Navy defense to vanquish its archrival, 17-6. The Midshipmen gained only 48 yards of offense with Freshman QB Mike Woodson into the third period. Tai Lavatai, who sat out last week and this week with a rib injury, replaced him in the fourth. After throwing a pick-six, he led the Mids to a score on their final drive to avoid the shutout.

This turned out to be the brunt of the Navy game through the air in the first half against Air Force.
This turned out to be the brunt of the Navy game through the air in the first half against Air Force.

Defense, defense…

The two military academies played a scoreless first quarter. However, on the first play of the second period, Falcon QB Zac Larrier connected with WR Dane Kinamon. He beat his receiver badly, made a nice over the shoulder catch, and raced 94 yards for the only score of the first half. Air Force held Navy in check allowing only three conversions of 17 in third down attempts. Of the Mids’ first ten possessions, the Falcons stifled them with nine three-and-outs. Navy gained only 22 yards on the ground. On defense, however, they held the Air Force offense which scored 34 or more points in five of six starts to only 17.

Air Force at Navy 2023: how most of the plays looked during the entire game.
Air Force at Navy 2023: how most of the plays looked during the entire game.

In the third period, Matthew Dapore made good for a 40-yard FG to put Air Force up, 10-0. On the subsequent series, he missed an attempt from 35 yards out. Fourth quarter, enter Lavatai at quarterback for Navy. Despite three first down on Lavatai’s first series, the Mids punted again. His next series ended much worse. Linebacker Alec Mock picked off his pass for the Falcons and returned it unscathed for an 18-yard TD. Trailing, 17-0, Lavatai came out firing on Navy’s next and final series. He completed ten passes for 78 yards resulting in a 10-yard touchdown toss to Eli Heidenreich. The two-point conversion failed and with a failed onsides kick, the game was over. Air Force triumphed over the Mids (3-4), 17-6, and rose to No. 19 in the AP poll.

Air Force keeps Navy out of the end zone on two-point conversion, but the game was basically over.
Falcons of Air Force keep Mids out of the end zone on two-point conversion, but the game was basically over.

Air Force brings crabbiness to Crabtown

It was a disappointing day for Navy fans who set a new Navy Marine Corps Stadium attendance record this day with 38,803 paid seats. Among them attended two legendary Naval Academy honorees. Former 1963 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach attended. So did former new College Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Navy Head Coach Paul Johnson.

He came to Navy from Georgia Southern where he won three FCS championships. He led Navy to a 45-29 record over six seasons (2002-2007). His teams beat Army all six of his seasons and went 11-1 in games against Army and Air Force. Johnson took the Mids to five straight bowl games. In addition, friends of mine from USNA class of 1978 came to the game to celebrate their 45th reunion. Disappointing outcome on the field, but great get together tailgating with them and 11 other friends who attended our annual excursion to see a Navy game in Annapolis.

Our "crew" had a great time getting together for this year's annual get-together in Annapolis. Next year - Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.
Our “crew” had a great time getting together for this year’s annual get-together in Annapolis. Next year – Navy vs. Notre Dame in The Meadowlands.

Next!

Air Force (7-0, 4-0) looks to keep rolling next Saturday. They visit the Colorado State Rams (3-4, 1-2) in a Mountain West clash. Navy (3-4, 2-2) has a bye week before visiting Temple (2-6, 0-4) in Philly for an American Athletic contest on November 4. As for collegefootballfan.com, we not only follow up seeing another undefeated team on Tuesday night, we have two other undefeated teams on our slate for our next three games.

Liberty (7-0, 5-0) calls on Western Kentucky (4-3, 2-1) in a key Conference USA clash. This could determine if both these teams will meet in the eventual conference championship. On Saturday, we’ll see No. 4 Florida State (7-0, 5-0) visit Wake Forest (4-3, 1-3). The following week, we travel to State College, PA to see No. 2 Michigan (7-0, 4-0) tangle with Penn State (6-1, 3-1) in a Big Ten thriller. Both games start with a noon kickoff.

Game 667: Midshipmen defense and big plays knock off 49ers

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Charlotte, NC- The Midshipmen of Navy sailed into Charlotte for the first time to play the Charlotte 49ers and as first-time American Athletic Conference football foes. The Navy defense shut out their new opponent, and the Midshipmen offense led by sub QB Braxton Woodson scored on two long plays to top Charlotte, 14-0. Woodson, a freshman who replaced starter Tai Lavatai after the first series due to a rib injury, started off nervously. However, as Guest Game Analyst Al Di Vite noted, he settled in more relaxed during the second half. Especially after he completed a touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead.

Efficiency and defense

He finished with five of 14 passes for 85 yards and 18 rushes for 32 yards. It doesn’t sound like much, but his Midshipmen defensive counterparts held the 49ers to 265 yards in total offense. Charlotte only made it to the Midshipmen territory at the 37 once and then beyond in its last two possessions of the game. The first at the 37 resulted in a turnover on downs. The second on the last play of the game resulted in an INT in the end zone by Mid CB Deshaun Peele.

Midshipmen QB Braxton Woodson (5) connects with RB Heidenreich for a 69-yard TD to take a 7-0 lead in the third quarter.
Midshipmen QB Braxton Woodson (5) connects with RB Eli Heidenreich (not shown) for a 69-yard TD to take a 7-0 lead in the third quarter.

After a 0-0 stalemate at the half, in the third period, Woodson connected over the middle firing a strike to Eli Heidenreich. Out of the backfield, he who avoided a tackle and bounced off another to race downfield for a 69-yard touchdown reception. With an interception by Rayuan Lane III, the Midshipmen stopped the 49ers next drive at the UC 35. However, they could not capitalize. In the fourth, Navy sacked Charlotte QB Trexler Ivey forcing a fumble and taking over at their 38. On the very next play, FB Alex Tecza broke left through hole and rambled 62 yards for the second Navy score. With 11:02 left, the Midshipmen went up, 14-0.

Midshipmen make ’em count

Navy stopped the two subsequent Charlotte possessions as noted with a turnover on downs and an interception. Both teams finished with 265 yards on 40 rushing attempts. The big differences came on three Charlotte turnovers to none for the Midshipmen. Heidenreich’s one catch on the day for a 69-yard touchdown and Tecza’s burst of 69 yards among his six carries for 76 yards powered the Mids’ offense. Al Di Vite, my GGA, joined me early on back in 1978 for one of my premiere, pre-history games. We traveled to Auburn to visit our friend Charlie Murren to see Auburn and Georgia battle to a 22-22 tie.

Navy Safety Eavan Gibbons closes in on Duane Brown for at stop in the second period.
Navy Safety Eavan Gibbons (11) closes in on Duane Brown for a stop in the second period.

Next!

Charlotte heads to East Carolina who we saw lose to SMU last Thursday. It will be an AAC battle of futility as both teams hold the same record of 1-5, 0-2. Navy heads to Annapolis and we follow. The Midshipmen (3-3) will host archrival Air Force (6-0) ranked No. 22. This battle is the first leg of the Military Academies’ Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. Last season the Air Force Falcons defeated Navy 13-10 in Colorado Springs. Despite the possibility of freshman Woodson most likely starting again, expect the Mids to be up for this one. They look to take back the disputed hardware.

Go Navy! See you in Annapolis this Saturday!
Go Navy! See you in Annapolis this Saturday!

Game 666: Late surge by SMU subdues East Carolina, 31-10

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Greenville, NC – On Thursday night in a competitive, American Athletic game between two bad teams, SMU (4-2, 2-0) defeated East Carolina on scores with only 7:22 left to play. At our first game ever attended in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on the beautiful East Carolina campus, the stadium and the spirit of the ECU faithful impressed despite their team finishing this contest with a record of 1-5, 0-2 in the conference. The game was not pretty.

ECU Pirate Head Coach Mike Houston disappoints us having seen his success leading FCS James Madison as an annual top contender in that division previously. The talent and the game plan displayed fell far short of what we expected from him. His record at East Carolina in his fifth year stands now at 23-29.

Close for three quarters

A fumble by ECU QB Alex Flinn gave SMU possession on their 32. Roger Collins 50-yard field goal for SMU early in the fourth put the Mustangs up, 17-10. Later at the 7:22 mark, SMU safety Jonathan McGill picked off Flinn’s poorly thrown pass. He raced 34 yards down the right sideline untouched for a TD. The Mustangs extended their lead, 24-10.

SMU QB Preston Stone lofts a pass in early action against East Carolina.
SMU QB Preston Stone lofts a pass in early action against East Carolina.

The Pirates started their next series from the 25. They punted from the 33 with 6:43 left, despite needing two scores to tie or lead. They might as well have gone for the first down, even if they failed to convert on fourth and two. With 2:29 remaining, RJ Maryland caught a pass from Preston Stone for 43 yards with a twisting, turning dive to settle the score at 31-10 in favor of SMU. For Stone, he recorded his third throw for a TD among 19 of 38 for 276 yards. He lofted many passes high only to have eight knocked down by Pirate defenders.

SMU Ponies and ECU Pirates need some giddy-up!

ECU’s Mason Garcia substituted early for the ineffective Flinn, but he could only muster 155 yards through the air on 12 of 26 passes. SMU defended ten passes for knock downs between the two ECU quarterbacks. Neither team threatened on the ground. SMU picked up only 58 yards compared to the Pirates’ 97. Neither team impressed. Despite the 4-2 SMU record, they would struggle with many other teams with comparable records. Good luck to them next year against ACC competition.

SMU secondary breaks up East Carolina pass in action for one of ten pass break-ups during the game last Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
SMU secondary breaks up East Carolina pass for one of ten pass break-ups during the game last Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Next!

Ho-hum. More American Athletic action coming up. SMU travels on to Philadelphia next week to take on anemic Temple (2-5, 0-3). ECU takes a break next week before a visit by neighboring Charlotte (1-5, 0-2) who we just watched get shut out by Navy. This game should be a yawner. For us, we traveled four hours west to Charlotte to witness the AAC matchup between Charlotte and Navy.

ECU QB Mason Garcia has his back to the wall against SMU in second quarter.
ECU QB Mason Garcia has his back to the wall against SMU in second quarter.

Game 665: Balanced offense puts MTSU past LA Tech, 31-23

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Murfreesboro, TN – The MTSU Blue Raiders protected QB Nick Vattiato better than in previous games attended and balanced an improved running game with a passing attack to upend the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 31-23. Vattiato under less pressure completed 23 of 29 for 248 yards and two TDs. He scored on the ground once. His 15 rushing yards were compensated this week by Jaiden Credle’s 65 yards and some effective short runs by Terry Wilkens. Tech played QB Jack Turner in the first half and Hank Bachmeier in the second. They combined for 340 yards, two TDs and one interception. The MTSU defense held LT to 79 rushing yards. S Tra Fluellen’s INT in the end zone thwarted a key Bulldog drive.

Scoring through the air

Following Zeke Rankin’s 26-Yrd FG for MTSU, Kyle Maxwell hauled in a 20-yard TD pass from Turner. Blue Raider S Jakobe Thomas burst through to block the point after. MTSU responded with a 75-yard scoring drive capped by Elijah Metcalf’s over the shoulder catch along the end zone sideline to lead 10-6 at the end of one.

In the second, Jacob Barnes 23-yard FG closed the score, 10-9. Later in the period, Zach Dobson returned a punt for Middle Tennessee 53 yards to the Louisiana Tech 31. On third and ten, Vattiato connected with Holden Willis for a gain of 20 after the tackled forced a fumble out of bounds. At the two, Vattiato swept let and dove over for a touchdown. MTSU led at the half, 17-9.

Tech's Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.
Louisiana Tech’s Kyle Maxwell makes TD catch to take lead from MTSU early, 6-3.

Tech repeat of last week?

The previous week, LT scored 21 points in the second half down to Western Kentucky who led , 35-7, at the intermission. Though they fell short, 35-28, would they display the same firepower this evening against MTSU? Turner looked prepared to mount a comeback. He connected with Cyrus Allen for 38 yards to the Blue Raider seven. The LT threat was quelled by Fluellen’s INT falling backward in the end zone. The MTSU offense put together an 80-yard drive culminating with Credle running it in from nine yards out. With the help of an invisible roughing the passer penalty, Tech sustained a scoring drive. On a fourth, Dakota Williams took it over from six. The score narrowed the Blue Raider lead, 24-16.

MTSU and LT fight in fourth

MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.
MTSU WR Holden Wills grasps ball on a 60-yard catch and run to take a 31-16 lead over LA Tech.

In the fourth, MTSU broke off a big play with a 60-yard catch and run by Holden (4 catches for 103 yards) on a crossing pattern down the right sideline. A sack on a third and ten forced a Tech punt on its next possession. Middle Tennessee seemed to catch a break on an incomplete pass. Vattiato was grabbed by the face mask and thrown to the ground. The official watched and threw no flag – a blatant missed call. The Bulldogs took over from their 24 and drove to the MTSU ten-yard line. On fourth and goal at the ten, Bachmeier connected with Charvis Thornton for a touchdown. Louisiana Tech trailed now 31-24 with 2:30 left to play.

Using their three remaining time-outs after a squib kick starting the Raiders on their 18, Tech forced MTSU to punt after a three and out. They took over from their 32. On fourth down at the 46, MTSU’s heavy rush force Bachmeier’s pass to go incomplete. Middle Tennessee ran out the clock to take their first ConferenceUSA win this season to go 2-5, 1-2. Louisiana Tech fell to 3-5, 2-2.

Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU's Red Floyd Stadium.
Finally, something to smile about this season at MTSU’s Red Floyd Stadium.

Next!

In two weeks, Tech returns home to take on Jerry Kill’s New Mexico State Aggies (currently 3-3, 1-1). MTSU travels to Liberty (6-0, 4-0) for their fourth straight weekday night game before returning to Saturday games to complete their regular season. Collegefootballfan.com will see them for our fifth and final Blue Raider game this season when they host UTEP on November 18.

Three games in five days

CFF.com heads to Greenville, NC Thursday night for an American Athletic contest when SMU (3-2) visits East Carolina (1-4) for our first game ever at ECU’s Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. SMU looms as 12.5 favorites here. ECU allows 32 ppg against FBS foes, and SMU has put up similar scores against comparable FBS competition. We’ll see what ECU Head Coach Mike Houston can muster for this game. Last time we saw him, he was leading a formidable FCS James Madison program set to move up to the FBS.

On Saturday, we head to Charlotte for our first time at Jerry Richardson Stadium. We’ll watch Navy (2-3, 1-2) play a new foe in the same AAC. The Mids are favored by 3, but the 49ers (1-4, 0-1) under Biff Poggi are said to be hungry. Will the 15,314 seats in their stadium distract the Mids used to playing in bigger venues? Charlotte has lost to four FBS programs with winning records. The Mids have played three of their last four in Annapolis. They lost to Memphis by four on the road and defeated North Texas by three at home last week. This will be a fight for a close one. All I can say is, “Go Navy!”

Available now on Kindle – Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the fun and the Ugly – click here! In Paperback soon.

Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, he Fun and the Ugly

Game 664: Lafayette kicks down Princeton, 12-9

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Princeton, NJ – The Lafayette Leopards (5-1) defense held Princeton’s offense to three rushing yards on the day. The final outcome came due to a late safety and a missed extra point to settle the score, 12-9. In the fourth, Princeton blew their big opportunity to tie. The Lafayette win ended their 12-game losing streak to Princeton (2-2). The Leopard defense stood out limiting the Tiger offense to three first down conversions of 13 for first down attempts. They halted the Tigers twice on fourth down to take over on downs. LB Billy Schaeffer corralled ten tackles , three for losses, and two for sacks while forcing a fumble.

Cats go toe-to-toe

Lafayette opened the game starting from its 25 to take the lead on Jack Simonetti’s 40-yard FG. Princeton countered on its ensuing drive with Jeffrey Sexton’s kick made good from 29. Late in the first, PU QB Blake Senstrom (26 of 35, 310 yards, one TD) connected with WR AJ Barber (son of former NY Giant Tiki) for a 57-yard pass to the LC 10. Sexton next connected with WR Luke Colella on an outstanding, twisting catch with one foot down inside the end zone to grab the Tiger lead, 9-3. The extra point failed.

In the second, the two teams clawed to a standstill as both forced turnovers on downs on consecutive possessions. Late in the period, a Lafayette sack of Senstrom forced a Princeton punt from the 15. Elijah Steward’s six-yard return put the Leopards at the Tiger 46. With :26 left until halftime, a swing pass left to 6’8″ TE Mason Gilbert at the PU 15, put Lafayette up, 10-9.

Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette. Last time at PU, they combined with Brown band. Had more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.
Princeton had 15 musicians against Lafayette last Saturday. Last time at PU, they combined with the Brown University band. Had much more imagination at the Ivy League school back then.

A quick quarter

In the third period, a long Princeton drive fell short on a fourth and four at the Lafayette 16 with a sack and a fumble. The next Lafayette drive resulted in a punt, and Princeton’s next drive ran over into the final period for a very quick third quarter. Into the fourth, play continued with both teams punting.

Lafayette defense adds to lead

Princeton finally got to the Lafayette 20 for a supposed chip shot. However, Sexton’s 37-yard attempt went wide right. Lafayette got back on offense to consume over six minutes. A sack placed them back on the Princeton 33 with a fourth and 20. QB Dean Denobile (20 of 28, 177 yards, one TD) quick-kicked to back Princeton up at their four. After an incomplete pass, LB Blamassi Meite tackled Senstrom for a safety to extend Lafayette’s lead, 12-9.

With 1:57 remaining and rain beginning to fall, the Tiger onsides kick put Lafayette at their 33. A PU time-out and eventually a Leopard first down allowed Lafayette to run down the clock for a low-scoring , hard-fought victory. The game exemplified the significance of PATs and missed chip shots. Had PU converted one of each, the results could have made for a Tiger victory. Never take the kicking game for granted.

Next!

Princeton 1-0 in the Ivy, plays at Brown next weekend. Lafayette, now 1-0 in the Patriot, has a bye week before facing their most challenging conference foe, FCS No. 11 Holy Cross (4-2, 2-0). This game will probably decide the Patriot League’s champion to play for the FCS title.

Not the best of teams, but…

As for Collegefootballfan.com, we continue into our heavy October schedule consisting of eight games in the month of October. We attend three games alone this week – Louisiana Tech (3-4) at Middle Tennessee (1-5) on Tuesday, SMU (3-2) at East Carolina (1-4) on Thursday, and Navy (2-3) at Charlotte (1-4) on Saturday. No world-beaters here, but teams playing comparable competition and three fighting for a second win. Desperate teams playing for desperate measures half way through the season. Coaches trying to avoid proverbial hot seats! The latter two are American Athletic Conference clashes. We get to add two new FBS venues to our growing list to see as many as we can.

Game 663: JSU Gamecocks blast MTSU with 38 unanswered points

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Murfreesboro, Tennessee – JSU trailed MTSU 23-7 at the half, but sacks, pressures, turnovers and Zion Webb garnered 38 straight points before Jacksonville State (5-1,3-0) triumphed, 45-30. With QB Logan Smothers under center, JSU went nowhere on offense into the second period. Enter Zion Webb. Three plays including his 61-yard run to the one before Malik Jackson’s TD put JSU in front, 7-3. Things got scary on MTSU’s next series. WR Kellen Stewart left strapped to a stretcher before a silent crowd. First responders worked on him for 15 minutes. A post-game report says he is in the hospital moving his arms and legs.

Raiders ramp up

After this disconcerting delay, the Blue Raiders caught some offensive fire. On a fourth and two, QB Nick Vattiato connected with DJ Riles for 42 yards to the one. There, Frank Peasant took it in to lead, 10-7. The Raiders didn’t’ stop scoring for the rest of the half. Vattiato connected for touchdown passes to Elijah Metcalf on MTSU’s ensuing series for 71 yards and for 19. The Blue Raider defense stepped up behind DEs Richard Kinley and Quindarius Dunnigan to keep JSU under wraps. The last extra point, however, was missed. It was probably a sign of things to come in the second half though MTSU led, 23-7.

JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.
JSU TE Sean Brown on a catch over the middle.

JSU scores on offense and defense

To start the second half, the Raiders seemed in control knocking down two of three pass attempts before JSU punted. JSU increased the pressure on Vattiato (26 for 41, 408 yards, two TDs, two INTs) who kept passing from outside the pocket. An interception by Safety Kekoura Tarnue started to turn the momentum around for the Gamecocks. His pick resulted in a ten yard TD pass from Webb to TE Sean Brown. JSU punted on its next possession, but the MTSU return man misplayed the ball. The Gamecocks continued at the MTSU 27. Webb (11 for 21, 186 yards passing, two TDs, and 101 rushing yards) took it in from the one to narrow the Raider lead, 23-21. Alin Karajic’s 43-yard FG gave JSU a 24-23 lead going into the final fifteen.

Frustration

A sack forced MTSU to punt from the 50. JSU started to take control for good starting from their eight. A swing pass left went to Perry Carter who raced 63 yards for a score. On the ensuing Blue Raider possession, under pressure, Vattatio’s pass attempt was tipped and intercepted by DE Chris Hardie to put JSU at the MTSU 17. J’Wan Evans swept left for a one-yard score and a 38-27 JSU lead. On a fourth and four at the 14, a bad snap and sack resulted with the Gamecocks taking over from their 27.

I made a pit stop under the upper deck seats as most of the MTSU fans on Black-out Night (which looked more like silver-out night with all the empty aluminum seats) couldn’t watch any more. Only 13,066 attended. I returned to a portal over the north end zone to watch for any sign of a Raider comeback before following.

JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.
JSU sacked Vattiato eight times and pressured him often out of the pocket.

Right away, under pressure, Vattiato lost control of the ball on a spring left. Curley Young of JSU returned it 26 yards for a TD. A female Raider fan in from of me slammed her fists on a hand rail, cursed, and stormed out on to the mezzanine to hang her head in frustration. You couldn’t blame her. Her team played poorly and dropped this game, 45-30, in the end. They’re 1-6. One more loss assures no bowl for this season, and we’ll know that quickly.

Coming back?

With my season ticket package to take advantage of weekday games like this one, we’ll probably both be back next Tuesday night the the Louisiana Tech game (3-3, 2-0). That’s only five days from now. Head Coach Rick Stockstill was concerned about the timing of the games his team plays this year at the pre-season Blue Raider Blitz I attended. It seems like he’s had a long season already. And some fans in the seatback section near me vocalized their opinions about their coach of 17 years very negatively.

Next!

Jacksonville stands now at 5-1, 3-0 in Conference USA. Their next game comes as a challenge with undefeated Liberty (4-0, 2-0) who plays Sam Houston State this evening. Because JSU joined the FBS this year, for some dumb reason, it won’t be eligible to play in any bowl game this year. Collegefootballfan.com ventures east for a wedding weekend with Saturday available to allow us to attend Lafayette (4-1) at Princeton (2-1). This should be a good, fun game. Look forward to seeing a game again at PU.